Pi in the Sky March 14, 2010
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Science, Videos.Tags: 3.14, Albert Einstein, Brooklyn, Nancy Pelosi, National Pi Day, PS 222
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I like math and I like numbers. There is something unambiguous about the certainty of numbers. Eons ago, I won the Math Award at eighth grade graduation from PS 222 in Brooklyn. When my name was called out to get the award, my parents laughed. I was raise by Wolves. So how does this award and my love of numbers crunch out in my life today? I am the one at the restaurant that usually gets the check to figure out the tip.
Today is National Pi Day. Pi Day is a holiday that celebrates the mathematical constant, ∏. It is celebrated on March 14 because the first three digits of Pi are 3.14 Pi Jokes are traditionally told on Pi Day. On March 14, 2009, the House of Representatives passed a resolution making March 14th officially National Pi Day. I wonder if that was the last thing they agreed upon? I bet Nancy Pelosi is crunching the numbers trying to get that Health Bill passed, huh? Think she needs my help with the math?
FYI – Today is also Albert Einstein‘s birthday. Coincidence you say?
Q: What do you get when you cut a jack o’lantern by its diameter?
A: Pumpkin Pi!
Q: What do you get when you take green cheese and divide its circumference by its diameter?
A: Moon Pi.
Q:What do you get when you take the sun and divide its circumference by its diameter?
A: Pi in the sky.
Secrets, Lies and No Videotape July 12, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Links, Photography, Politics, wildlife, Zoos.Tags: CIA, Dick Cheney, George W Bush, Jonathan Turley, Keith Olbermann, Leon Panetta, Nancy Pelosi, Sarah 'I Quit' Palin
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This alarming news story will not have any of the Sarah ‘I Quit’ Palin 24/7 coverage – but it should. Why won’t it get coverage? It does not involve sex or Appalachian Trail references and it is somewhat old news. The public will not read about it and chances are that if it ever gets on TV – people will switch channels. Unlike the Michael Jackson coverage where if you did not want to watch the same news items or file clips about him you really could not switch channels because every channel covered it.
This story involves Dick Cheney, George W Bush, secrets, the CIA (redundant term – see ‘secrets’), oversight, counter-terrorism programs and lies.
So it turns out that the CIA withheld information about a secret counter-terrorism program from Congress for eight years on direct orders from former Vice President Dick Cheney. This not so shocking headline stems from last week’s admission by CIA chief Leon Panetta that he had ended the program on June 23rd when he first learned of it. So what was this very mysterious program? That is still a secret and the ubiquitous Mr. Cheney has suddenly fallen silent. Read the entire article from the front page of the New York Times here.
The much maligned Nancy Pelosi has been crying foul for awhile as the rabid right tries to set her on fire. The law requires the president to make sure the intelligence committees “are kept fully and currently informed of the intelligence activities of the United States, including any significant anticipated intelligence activity.” But the language of the statute, the amended National Security Act of 1947, leaves some leeway for judgment, saying such briefings should be done “to the extent consistent with due regard for the protection from unauthorized disclosure of classified information relating to sensitive intelligence sources and methods or other exceptionally sensitive matters.”
After 9/11, in efforts to cover their asses the Bushies closed ranks and while a cowering, frightened nation looked for leadership, they took advantage and created secret, apparently useless programs and systematically raped our Constitution.
Will anyone be punished with this latest revelation? I will eat my hat if that happens. As I watch the Obama Administration morph into a middle of the road, let’s just wait awhile, make no waves bunch of wimps, my hopes for change grow dimmer with each passing day.
– The above story is bad enough but this week we also had the revelation that President Bush was the one behind the hospital bed fiasco involving John Ashcroft, Alberto Gonzales and our Constitution. Watch Keith Olbermann discuss this with Jonathan Turley. Fascinating stuff.
The Democrats like to disclose crimes but not prosecute them. Shame, shame, shame.
Tongue Lashings for them all.
While on vacation… May 8, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Arlen Specter, David Souter, Jonathan Turley, Lollipop Guild, Mickey Carroll, Munchkins, Nancy Pelosi, Rachel Maddow, Tom Ridge
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Whoa! It sure has been an interesting 10 days while I was away trying not to pay attention to chatter, headlines or noise. Sometimes that is easier said than done. As I was JetBlueing across the country last Tuesday I see a ‘breaking news’ headline and discover that Arlen Specter has jumped ship. The remainder of the flight was dedicated to seeing how many times I could watch the same headline breaking news over and over again. Speculation grew about who would run against Specter now that he seems to be a Democrat. Of course we all know that Specter was a RINO (a Republican in name only) and now it seems he is a DINO (Democrat in name only). Tom Ridge has now said he will not run against Specter. Oh, the possibilities grow. As if that were not enough the ensuing days brought screaming headlines about David Souter‘s retirement and his possible replacements. The Swine Flu pandemic made me nuts. Is it that I do not trust anything the Government tells us anymore? I had memories of the Bush Administration and their constant ability to bait and switch whenever they wanted the press to get off topic they threw in another terror alert or some other headline grabbing stunt. The Taliban is inching ever so close to Islamabad. Very bad news and the Lollipop Guild has lost another member. Munchkin Mickey Carroll is dead at age 86.
– Judy One Note still is on topic about the torture issue. Get a load of this interview on last night’s Rachel Maddow show. Oh Nancy Pelosi, how you lie. Tsk, tsk.
– Rachel Maddow & The GOP’s ‘Terrifying Music’ Political Ads
– May 7, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds
– Yesterday was National Prayer Day. Give me a break. What a joke. Watch Lewis Black on Politics and Religion
– The Lollipop Guild
What a difference a week makes February 20, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Film Awards, Photography, Politics, Videos, wildlife, Zoos.Tags: Chimpanzees, Jonathan Turley for Suprme Court, Keith Olbermann, Nancy Pelosi, Oscar Predictions, primates, torture
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I have been off the grid for a week. I have rebooted my brain and it is time to return to a rant, however short it might be. What a difference a week makes. I noticed this morning as I walked my little dog Benny, that it is no longer pitch black at 6 AM. That slight hint of dawn created a bounce in my step that has been missing during these past cold, dark winter mornings. Spring must be right around the corner. On March 8th we change to daylight savings time.
– One more thing – what do I think about that hullabaloo over the cartoon in the New York Post? It is a cartoon. Get over it.
– Speaking of chimps. That tragic story out of Connecticut involving the attack of the chimp should never have taken place. Chimpanzees do not belong in your home. Period. The only primate that belongs in your home is you.
– In case you are behind the news a bit, here is what happened yesterday in 100 seconds from Talking Points Memo. I love this little review:
– Nancy Pelosi gave an interview to Rolling Stone Magazine where she hints that she could foresee a scenario in which senior members of the Bush administration are actually prosecuted. Do I believe her? No. I think she is stalling and the statute of limitations clock is ticking away on certain issues like torture. Here is Keith Olbermann speaking with my guy, Jonathan Turley on the issue of torture:
– Check out my Oscar predictions here.
– I know that I said you should not have monkeys in your home, but this is very, very cute and it is a temporary foster care situation. Enjoy.
Knock, knock. Who’s there? January 7, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Links, Photography, Politics, Travel, Videos, Zoos.Tags: Al Franken, Central Park Zoo, Dianne Feinstein, jeb bush, lemurs, Leon Panetta, Nancy Pelosi, Roland Burris, Senate seats, t-shirt
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Why its Roland – Roland Burris. Sorry Roland, we hear you knockin’ but you can’t come in. Poor Roland Burris. He can’t seem to get a break. The Senate Democrats are not letting him in the front door. The same Democrats unanimously reelected Nancy Pelosi as their leader. I would not have voted for her. However, I would have let Roland in – and I think sooner, rather than later, they will. The Democrats do not want to recognize an appointment from Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of trying to sell the seat to replace President-elect Barack Obama. Burris attempted to be sworn in on the first day of the 111th Congress, but was told by the Secretary of the Senate that his credentials “were not in order.” Nancy Erickson, the Senate secretary, initially cited the absence of the signature of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White as the reason for rejecting the appointment. Burris is trying to get the Illinois Supreme Court to order White to sign the form. White has no authority to refuse his signature and is claiming the right to unilaterally block an appointment because he simply does not like or is suspicious of the appointing governor. No one has claimed that Burris bought this seat and indeed he would have been on the list of likely candidates for any governor. The Democrats have an uncanny ability to self-destruct. They are allowing this side show to distract attention from the important business at hand. The appointment is only for two years. Let him have the darn seat. I understand they think he is unelectable in two years – but as we know, two years in politics is a very long time. A hearty congratulations to my guy, Al Franken, (above) whose campaign called my house every day after I donated to his campiagn. He will be showing u knocking at the Senate door eventually too.
– Poor Roland. I would have let him in and thrown some of the other fools out.
– I think Leon Panetta as head of the CIA is an inspired choice. His record is great and he has come out loud and clear against torture. Not telling Dianne Feinstein ahead of time is a just way to tell her that she better get on board with Obama’s view on torture. She and Jay Rockefeller should hang their heads in shame for the carte blanche open door they gave to Bush and his thugs on all of their illegal activities.
– Here’s a fun time filler. Just click on a Senate seat to see who is sitting there now and then click again to see who has sat in that seat before.
– Whoa! It seems that Jeb Bush, despite his daddy’s yearnings is not going to run for the open Senate seat in Florida. Perhaps he is the only Bush with a brain. Jeb Bush has decided not to run for the Senate in Florida next year, according to former state House Speaker Marco Rubio. “He said it just wasn’t the right timing,” Rubio said, recounting a phone call he received this afternoon from the former Florida governor and presidential brother.
– Follow up. Remember the guy who was kicked off of a Jetblue flight because of his t-shirt? Well, he just settled his lawsuit for $240,000.
– Al Franken is finally the winner. A Minnesota board on Monday certified results showing Democrat Al Franken winning the state’s U.S. Senate recount over Republican Norm Coleman, whose lawyer promised a legal challenge that probably will keep the race in limbo for months.
– Now THIS is funny!
– Speaking if buffoons. Is anyone going to miss this idiot? The malaprops and mangled statements are legendary. Try to find your favorite in this list. Here’s one of mine. “Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.”
– Seen the new Black and White Lemurs at the Central Park Zoo yet?
It’s All in Your Head July 20, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Photo Archives, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos.Tags: Free Kibble, Gray Wolf, Green-wood Cemetery, Jon Stewart, Maddow, McCain, Monk Parrots, Nancy Pelosi, Olbermann, Phil Gramm, Walrus. Bronx Zoo
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Feeling blue? Feeling broke? Feeling homeless? Feeling unappreciated? Feeling that your car might as well be a sculpture in the driveway since you can’t afford gas anymore? Feeling that your civil rights are being taken away? Feeling that you are being watched probed and prodded? Hogwash say the Repugnants! It’s all in your head. Both John McCain and George Bush have been speaking the same Party line. Which means they are speaking the same bullshit. If we would simply look at the glass as half full things would get better, they say. Or if Bush had a magic wand – he would wave all of our problems away. Gasp! As you all know by now, McCain’s campaign co-chair Phil Gramm had to step down because of the controversy over his comment that we were in the middle of a “mental recession.” True to form the Repugnants dumped this piece of news on us late Friday thinking not much attention would be paid to this shift in leadership. Guess what? I noticed. MoveOn.org created a fine video on the subject that does not get McSame off the hook.
Here’s Keith Olbermann on Phil Gramm’s dumping:
– Frank Rich also chimes in on McCain’s fiscal ineptitude and the Bloomberg connection.
– What the F**K? Bush now agrees to a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq? Huh?
– Some good news for a change for the gray wolf. Gray wolves in the greater Yellowstone area of the northern Rocky Mountains, were again put under the protections of the Endangered Species Act by a judge in Montana on Friday. The judge, Donald W. Molloy of Federal District Court, took the form of a preliminary injunction and could be reversed. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing stories. The hunters out there will just have to go kill something else for a bit.
– Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, called George Bush a ‘total failure’. While I surely have no difficulty agreeing with Speaker Pelosi on her very deep observation, I do have many bones to pick with her regarding her leadership. The Dreadfulcrats now control the House and the senate and have for the past two years. So why can’t we get much done, eh, Nancy? Nancy?
– Rachel Maddow needs more than her own TV show – she should have her own cable station. Watch her take on conservative Noah Oppenheim as she speaks for Barack Obama.
– What a joke that John McCain appeared at the recent NAACP convention. Here is a man who fought long and hard against honoring Martin Luther King Jr and in 1983 voted against making the day a National Holiday. Here is his record on the subject and on the Confederate flag.
– Check out Jon Stewart and the Dobbs -O-Meter
– You may have seen the little girl on National TV who started raising funds to buy kibble for dogs who have become homeless because of foreclosures. Just click on the link and answer a question. Whether you are right or wrong by clicking on the link you are helping out.
– A return visit to the Bronx Zoo with some very young friends, was a special treat this week. Visiting the Madagascar just one month later found the animals acclimating wonderfully to their new home. I even got to see the two beautiful mongoose and at the Congo exhibit I finally saw the illusive mandrill. Sensational. Check out the photo montage here.
– Last Saturday we went to Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn for an amazing tour with the best tour guide in NYC, Justin Ferate. The beautiful cemetery was founded in 1838. It was granted National Historic Landmark status in 2006. There are many notables buried in the Cemetery including, Leonard Bernstein, Peter Cooper, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Charles Ebbets, Elias Howe, John LaFarge, Samuel FB Morse, Boss Tweed, and Louis Comfort Tiffany. The place is rich in history and is a great place to visit and wander through. The monk parrots that now live at Green-wood Cemetery are not only tolerated, but appreciated by the management. Check out this website to see some more up-close photos of these terrific and very vocal birds. Check out my photo montage here.
– In the always leave ’em smiling mode – here’s my video of one of the charismatic walrus’ who lives at Sea World San Diego.
Lobo's Rants 
First – Do No Harm December 17, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Photography, Politics, Videos, wildlife, Zoos.Tags: Harry Reid, Howard Dean, Jon Walker, Keith Olbermann special commentary, Nancy Pelosi, Nate Silver, obama, Progressives
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‘Progressives’ is the term du jour for ‘Liberals’. Okay – I will not argue over titles. The most frustrating and the best part of being a progressive is that there is dialogue. You could send the entire day reading progressive opinions for and against the health care bill in its present form. Here is a good summary from FireDogLake. com as Jon Walker answers Nate Silver’s 20 questions.
For the policy wonks out there – Nate Silver has responded to Jon Walker’s responses here.
Keith Olbermann gave a Special Commentary on last night’s program on this issue:
Part 1-
Part 2:
After all of these mind exploding issues, who does not need a smile or two?